Joan Baez Singing Bob Dylan Songs

Joan Baez Singing Bob Dylan Songs: Baez Versus Dylan

Joan Baez and Bob Dylan are two of the towering figures of the music world. Both have been performing for over fifty years, both are amongst the most respected figures in the industry. Joan is the darkly beautiful queen of folk, Dylan the scruffy troubadour who for a while captured her heart with his songs after she had originally called him an "urban hillbilly".

Joan has recorded many Dylan songs. Her unique and beautiful voice carries some of them to new heights. Dylan's own interpretations can sometimes be more of a personal taste. I believe that Baez often outdoes Dylan and I've matched ten Dylan songs below: Joan Baez versus Bob Dylan - have a listen and see which versions you prefer, then vote for each.

Joan Baez

The singer

Joan Baez began singing in the Fifties and came to high prominence with her performance at the 1959 Newport Folk Festival. With Hispanic blood in her veins, she has performed English and Spanish folk songs, plus a wealth of other materials.

Never confident in her own songwriting (Dylan was casually cruel in his dismissal of her lyrics), she has always been a great judge of a song and has picked and performed many that have outdone their creators' performances.

She has led a life rich and courageous in her espousal of worthy causes and her willingness to support them with words and deeds. For an excellent description of her life to date, see her Wikipedia entry and visit the Joan Baez official site.

Bob Dylan

The songwriter

Bob Dylan, the slight, tousled figure who ambled, according to legend, into a New York coffeehouse and amazed the audience with his songs. He's been amazing and sometimes baffling generations since with a litany of songs of power and beauty.

He's an odd figure: a voice that almost croaks but enthrals audiences, a private person who pours his heart out in his words, a writer of protest songs who insists he isn't a protester. His lyrics can be obscure but are rarely anything but captivating.

1 Blowin' In The Wind

One of the most famous of Bob Dylan's early songs, this became the anthem of the peace and protest movements of the Sixties. It struck a chord with just about every disaffected person and even today it is powerful and moving. Sung at demonstrations and marches by Joan Baez, Peter, Paul and Mary and a host of others, a standard at Bob Dylan's concerts.

On this one, the melody suits both Baez and Dylan: I'd say his version is marginally better for the rawness he shows in his performance.

Dylan versus Baez #1 - Blowin' In The Wind

Who does Blowin' In The Wind better?

2 A Hard Rain's A Gonna Fall

One of Dylan's most mysterious songs, people have been arguing about the meaning of line after line of this for years. He himself has given various explanations of bits of the song. I prefer just to treat it as a poem set to music, to be carried away by the imagery. Think of it as a poem about an innocent adrift in a world of troubles and beauty.

Fun fact: Dylan took the song's structure from an old English folk song, Lord Randall.

3 Sad-Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands

A song to Dylan's first wife? The nocturnal outpourings of a genius? Again, nobody really knows but it's a masterpiece, one that Dylan said at the time was the best song he'd written. It's a list of unanswered questions about an unnamed woman, a list of her likes and fancies. One critic referred to its "measured grace and stately pace" and it's perfectly suited to Joan's amazing voice.

Dylan versus Baez #3 - Sad-Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands

Who does Sad-Eyed Lady better?

4 Forever Young

A song from a father to his children. Dylan took a break from touring from 1967 to 1974 and had three more children by first wife Sara Lownds. He got back with The Band, knocked off Planet Waves in a short time and Forever Young was one of the tracks thereon. Its simple lyrics and gentle tone show the wishes of long life and good fortune that any parent would want for their children but Forever Young serves as a song of friendship as well.

5 Tears Of Rage

Dylan's lament over the fundamental betrayal of the American Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights through war and materialism. Savage and sad, the song was called "from the start a sermon and an elegy, a Kaddish" by Greil Marcus.

Other versions

Other version: for the Dead Heads, one by Jerry Garcia with his Jerry Garcia Band.

7 Don't Think Twice, It's All Right

The song of a man leaving his lover. He's sad but his words are bitter as he blames her for the breakup. "I once loved a woman, a child I am told. I gave her my heart but she wanted my soul."

A curious song, in that it shows Dylan's penchant for borrowing from various sources. Based on an old song, "Who's Gonna Buy Your Chickens When I'm Gone.", the melody was taught to Dylan by Paul Clayton. Clayton had a song "Who's Gonna Buy Your Ribbon Saw." and several lines from that appear in various guises in various versions of Dylan's song.

Other versions

Lots of people have recorded this, not many approaching the class of either Dylan or Baez. Versions range from a draggy Ke$ha to an annoyingly pleasant Peter, Paul And Mary which reached #9 in the US many years ago.

Dylan versus Baez #7 - Don't Think Twice, It's All Right

Who does Don't Think Twice better?

Bob Dylan 3 CD Boxset

Several of the songs listed on this page and too many more great songs to mention. If you're looking to fill a gap in your music collection or have recently discovered Dylan, this is a fantastic selection.

8 It's All Over Now, Baby Blue

As with many Bob Dylan songs, the meanings are open to interpretation and Dylan's occasional comments don't help. The consensus is that it's a song about several different women and his relationships with them ending. There are phrases that seem to point to Suze Rotolo, some that may refer to Joan Baez but we may never know for sure.

9 North Country Blues

A song set in the Iron Range mountains of northern Minnesota, near Dylan's boyhood home. The song tells of the pain, troubles and deaths in a decaying mining town, with tragedy in every verse. The tune is simple, the lyrics plaintive, the style very much that of a traditional folk song.

Other versions

Other versions: none that I know of! Perhaps it's too depressing for others to sing?

10 Farewell Angelina

Finishing with one of the best love songs written by Bob Dylan and one of the best songs sung by Joan Baez. "Love song" is one interpretation; others have thought of this as about the Holocaust, about another relationship ending, about Dylan's view of women in general. The imagery is obscure but strangely moving, the melody perfectly suited to Joan's voice:

King Kong, little elves On the rooftops they dance Valentino types tango While the make-up man's hands Shut the eyes of the dead Not to embarrass anyone Farewell Angelina The sky is embarrassed And I must be gone.

Other versions

Not too many other versions and none of them approach, again, Dylan or Baez. Tim O'Brien recorded it on his Red on Blonde album and Jeff Buckley performed it live, though I can't find a recording of his version for sale, so my apologies if you like it.

Dylan versus Baez #10 - Farewell Angelina

Who does Farewell Angelina better?

Songs By Joan Baez About Bob Dylan

Diamonds And Rust

Joan hasn't written many songs and she's recorded few of them. One that is famous is Diamonds And Rust, in which she tells of an unexpected phone call from an old lover, which sends her back ten years in time, to a "crummy" hotel in Greenwich Village - a time when she and Dylan had a romance lasting a couple of years. He was less than faithful, though they remained friends.

"As I remember your eyes Were bluer than robin's eggs 'My poetry was lousy', you said Where are you calling from, A booth in the Midwest?"

New Bob Dylan Biography - By Ian Bell

This is a very highly praised work by Ian Bell, reviewing most of the major biographies and introducing new material and new interpretations. If it's not yet available in your country, revisit as it's getting rave reviews.

What Do You Think Of Joan Baez And Bob Dylan?

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bluebird 2 years ago

Good hub, good subjects. I was always keen to playing Joan Baez in younger days. It's only in my latter days that I've appreciated Bob Dylan and his song-writing ability and it's amazing how many famous songs are his, though sung by different artists! My favorites of his are "Mr. Bojangles", "Gotta Serve Somebody" and "When He Returns" just love his wonderful way of expressing himself.

Nancy Tate Hellams 2 years agofrom Pendleton, SC

Two remarkable singers. Most of the time I would have to say it is a draw but others I had a definite opinion about. Very interesting and enjoyable.

Sherry Venegas 2 years agofrom La Verne, CA

A fun idea for a music article. Everyone was so young and creative, but I am guessing they still are.

annmackiemiller 2 years agofrom Bingley Yorkshire England

I had to vote for Dylan but it was a close thing - I wanted to BE Joan Baez when I was young.

A little bit before my time, but I love and respect the work and influence of them both. Very nice layout Paul.

Sherry Hewins 3 years agofrom Sierra Foothills, CA

While Baez has Much more Vocal range, l find her pitch a bit high for My taste. Dylan's Voice is unorthodox, but I love it! \ do love Baez's Version of Forever Young though.

Richard 3 years agofrom Surrey, United Kingdom

Dylan is a fabulous songwriter, but the voice belongs to Joan Baez.

Dolores Monet 3 years agofrom East Coast, United States

There is no comparison! Both Baez and Dylan had such unique styles that one must give both a listen - Dylan for his raw honesty and Baez just to hear that beautiful voice! Love this one.

Julia M S Pearce 3 years agofrom Melbourne, Australia

Two of my favorite singer/ songwriters. I love them both.

Robin Edmondson 3 years agofrom San Francisco

Blowing in the Wind was one of the first songs I learned on the guitar. It's a fun song to sing and easy to play. We saw Bob Dylan once; he was so drunk/high he tripped on the wiring on the stage. Wasn't what I expected.

:(.

Jean Bakula 3 years agofrom New Jersey

Beautiful collection. I love Bob Dylan. I wish he would slow down a little or not mumble, sometimes you need to listen to Joan Baez's version just to understand the world. I think he's a genius, but she has the voice of an angel.

Lorelei Cohen 3 years agofrom Canada

I think Dylan was an amazing song writer but Joan Baez is the far better singer. Perhaps they should have duo upped most of the songs this way.

Carol Fisher 3 years agofrom Warminster, Wiltshire, UK

This takes me back. I always loved Joan Baez and developed a taste for Dylan too.

Johnni 3 years agofrom Western United States

Well, this was a blast from the past! I liked Joan Baez more than I liked Bob Dylan :)

julieannbrady 3 years ago

Hmmm, they are certainly one-of-a-kinds who have no comparables these days. When I think of the hippy generation, I think they would be the king and queen -- no disrespect intended.

Diana Grant 3 years agofrom United Kingdom

Bob Dylan is one of our favorite singers....on vinyl of course. We still have several of his LP's and we still play them

ismeedee 3 years ago

Baez is going to win out every time for me, because I love her voice and do not particularly like that of Dylan. However, what beautiful songs Dylan has provided Baez to sing hahaha!

Peggy Hazelwood 4 years agofrom Desert Southwest, U.S.A.

Great songs whoever sings them!

lesliesinclair 4 years ago

Dylan was the voice of my teenage years while Joan Baez I discovered in college and they both continue to resonate with me. My votes are cast for "which is my favorite version" rather than "which is best." Wonderful way to contrast and remember.

mel-kav 4 years ago

Really enjoyed this lens. I have always enjoyed listening to both Joan Baez and Bob Dylan. But I love Joan Baez's voice much better. She is so much easier to listen to. However, there are some songs that I just love to listen to Bob Dylan sing.

cmadden 4 years ago

I dearly love the purity of Joan Baez's voice; Dylan's can in no way compare to hers. His strength has most certainly been songwriting.

Virginia Allain 4 years agofrom Central Florida

This hit the spot as I was an avid fan of Baez over the years. Remarkable singer. Dylan is too, but I love her voice.

DebMartin 4 years ago

I love them both.

Nancy Tate Hellams 4 years agofrom Pendleton, SC

Very Enjoyable. I love to hear both of them sing but my favorite is Joan Baez

TapIn2U 4 years ago

I love them both and I will always be their fan. Sundae ;-)

Nancy Carol Brown Hardin 4 years agofrom Las Vegas, NV

I like Dylans voice on only a few of his songs, but Baez is almost always my favorite. As Lisadh says below, Dylan's lyrics, Baez' voice!

RoadMonkey 4 years ago

They are both great. And I like Baez's "Going to the Zoo".

LisaDH 4 years ago

I love Bob Dylan's lyrics, but I prefer Joan Baez's vocals on most of his songs, particularly "Forever Young." The one exception is "Blowin' in the Wind." I love both versions, but I think Dylan sings this one better.

dahlia369 4 years ago

Two great artists, singing beautiful songs - and a great lens to honor them! :)

Evelyn Saenz 4 years agofrom Royalton

I love both Joan Baez and Bob Dylan. I especially like their earliest songs, the ones they sang together in the 1950's.

Titia Geertman 4 years agofrom Waterlandkerkje - The Netherlands

I love them both. Don't have time now to complete the polls, but I'll be back. Blessed

flycatcherrr 4 years ago

Ah, what a competition. I can't decide... have to go listen to 'Diamonds And Rust' again about a dozen times. What a brilliant song.

Frischy 4 years agofrom Kentucky, USA

I have always loved Joan Baez. I spent many hours listening to her songs all through high school.

Nathalie Roy 4 years agofrom France (Canadian expat)

I prefer Joan Baez over Dylan. It's the first time I heard Joan and I like it.

Author

Paul 4 years agofrom Liverpool, England

@Terrie_Schultz: I've only seen video lately but it's not good - a bit like Kris Kristofferson - really should give up live performances. Joan Baez, on the other hand, sounds like a Ferrari burbling along in low gear, then she lets rip!

Terrie_Schultz 4 years ago

Dylan's a great songwriter, but Joan Baez has a fabulous voice. I got to see Dylan in concert just this past fall. His voice is completely gone, he just croaks out the words, but still has many adoring fans.

grannysage 4 years ago

I think many people sing Bob's songs better than Bob. But there is something about the raw quality of his voice that makes you stand still and listen. I think it would be funny if he could audition for The Voice. Would he get any chairs to turn for him? Joan Baez does a fantastic job singing his songs, she feels the poetry and can convey it. She also can sing them like Bob does and fooled an audience once by pretending to be him (just saw it on a video).

John Dyhouse 4 years agofrom UK

I have to agree with the last comments, Bob was a songwriter, Joan was the performer and musician. Both are tops in their field.

SadSquid 4 years ago

This is such an excellent lens, I haven't heard these songs (some are my favourites) sung by Joan Baez before. I have to say, I think Dylan's genius lay in songwriting rather than the actual singing, so this was lovely. blessed.

Author

Paul 4 years agofrom Liverpool, England

@marsha32: She's been a fine judge of which songs to sing throughout her career - the relationship between them helped of course!

marsha32 4 years ago

I don't think I realized that she also sang the same songs as Bob Dylan.

patinkc 4 years agofrom Midwest

What a beautiful lens! I learned to play guitar with Joan B and Bob.D in the 60's. I knew every song they recorded. Thanks for the memory. I also have a Joan Baez lens (another account) . like, pin and g+

wrapitup4me 4 years ago

I'm partial to Dylan and like him singing his own songs more than anyone else.

Margaret Schindel 4 years agofrom Massachusetts

I'm a big fan of much of Dylan's songwriting, but not much of a fan of his singing, with a few notable exceptions. I've loved Joan Baez's voice and her heartfelt interpretations of others' songs since the 1960s, but for Dylan songs that demand to be sung with harsh, raw emotion, no one can perform them as well as Dylan himself. Thanks for providing a wonderful return engagement by these two compelling performers. Blessed!

poppy mercer 4 years agofrom London

When Dylan actually gets comits to a performance it is powerful in it's rawness, but he gives quite a few DGAF performances too. Joan Baez has an amazing voice and interprets beautifully most of the time, although occasionally her voice is too sweet for a song. Oh which one won the contest here? Both.

Richard 4 years agofrom Surrey, United Kingdom

I would always prefer to listen to Joan Baez over Bob Dylan ;)

anonymous 4 years ago

It's funny the things you remeber when you read a page like this. Marianne Faithfull also released Blowing in the Wind as a single in the 60s.